The Civil Actions Branch is responsible for processing all civil cases requesting damages above $5,000. In addition, they process cases requesting equitable relief, meaning that the person is requesting a judge to order someone to do or not do something.

To file a civil action:

An original complaint includes the name and address of the plaintiff(s) and defendant(s); Parties and attorneys must sign the complaint and include their address, telephone number and e-mail address.

One copy of the original complaint for each defendant listed on the complaint; and

A summons for each named defendant. Filing fees can be paid by cash, certified check, credit card (America Express, Discover, Visa or MasterCard), personal check or money order, made payable to: Clerk, D.C. Superior Court." A personal check is only accepted for cases filed in the Civil Actions Branch and must be presented in person with proper ID.

Requests for issuance of alias summonses are $10.00 each. Alias summonses are any summonses requested after the initial summons to be served upon a defendant. Initial summonses to more than one address for a defendant or for service against the District of Columbia or the Mayor does not require an additional $10.00 fee.

Important Information:

The complaint and subsequent papers must be on white 8-1/2 x 11 paper single sided and fastened at the top.

"D.C. Superior Court" must be indicated across the top of the first page on each filing.

Pro se parties must sign the complaint and include their address and telephone number (A handwritten signature must be provided, a name affixed by a rubber stamp is not acceptable as a signature)

Discovery pleadings are not filed with the court unless the court so orders